Peterson Returns to Barnstormers
November 6, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers have re-signed quarterback Darius-James Peterson to the 2024 roster, Head Coach Dave Mogensen announced today.
Peterson (5-11, 195, College of Idaho) returns to the Iowa Barnstormers for his third season with the team. Joining the Barnstormers following a standout collegiate career at the College of Idaho, Peterson led the 2022 team to a 9-7 regular season record and first round playoff appearance. Peterson returned in 2023 with the goal of starting the season in Vegas and ending the season in Vegas, but an early injury ended his season and the Barnstormers had trouble regaining momentum. After a long road to recovery, Peterson is ready to put his goggles back on and put last season behind him.
"In spite of the injury he had in 2023, Darius is someone that numerous IFL teams were interested in when free agency opened," said Coach Mogensen. "His combination of athleticism, intellect and arm talent is of extreme value. Our disaster of a 2023 season I think showed some of our fans how special of a player he was, as I think his 2022 rookie season was severely undervalued. People seem to have forgotten he finished 4th in the league in passing yards while leading the IFL in rushing. When healthy he is one of the most dynamic players in the IFL"
In his rookie season with the Barnstormers, Peterson appeared in 17 games rushing 179 times for 892 yards and 17 touchdowns while passing 301 times for a whopping 2,004 yards and 36 touchdowns. His rookie performance put him at the top of the leaderboard in rushing while finishing 4th in the league in passing yards. After being snubbed by the IFL's end of season awards, Peterson set out to prove himself in 2023 but only appeared in two and a half games before suffering a season ending injury.
"Fans see what is put out on the field on game night, and more often than not that has been DJP putting on a show," said Mogensen. "What fans don't see is the absolute incredible work ethic he has. I have never been around someone that works harder in all aspects of being a professional. His rehab from injury has been no different, him being cleared months ahead of schedule hasn't surprised me one bit."
Peterson will enter the team's training camp in the Spring, but he won't be alone.
"The big shadow hanging over our 2024 season is QB play, as that derailed any chances we had last year. Good or bad, in professional football a team goes as its QB goes. We needed to be realistic that although DJP has dominated rehab he is still coming off an injury that kept him out of 14 games last year. We will be announcing more high quality QBs that will come into training camp and push Darius, which ultimately put us in a much better position for overall team success. I expect to see Darius rise to that level of competition but we will play the guy that separates himself, whomever that may become," said Mogensen.
2024 Iowa Barnstormers Player Signings are presented by Kelly's Little Nipper. Kelly's Little Nipper is located in Des Moines at 1701 E. Grand Ave. Stop by for daily specials!'
Season Tickets for the 2024 Iowa Barnstormers season area vailable now for as low as $128 per seat. For more information, call the Barnstormers front office at 515-633-2255 or visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com. Don't miss a minute of the action!
Indoor Football League Stories from November 6, 2023
- Pirates Ink Multi-Year Agreement with Tsongas Center - Massachusetts Pirates
- Peterson Returns to Barnstormers - Iowa Barnstormers
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- Arizona Rattlers Sign 2023 IFL Champion Quarterback Dalton Sneed - Arizona Rattlers
- Sugar Skulls Acquire Three-Time MVP QB Drew Powell - Tucson Sugar Skulls
- Arizona Rattlers move to Glendale, to play games in Desert Diamond Arena - Arizona Rattlers
- Blizzard Re-Sign Wide Receiver Mike Green Jr. - Green Bay Blizzard
- Northern Arizona Wranglers Sign Defensive Back Nirion Washington - Northern Arizona Wranglers
- Barnstormers Add Defensive Back - Iowa Barnstormers
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